France, Apriol 2, 1918

Dear Steve:

I had a letter from you the night before last and another last night dated respectively Feb 24 and Mar. 3 and I'm going to snatch a few minutes to answer them.  There were also enclosed letters from Mother.  The Ashfield soldiers aid parcel also reached me last night with a parcel from Miss Porter and one from a Fern Ave. teacher.  So you see I'm living in the lap of luxury.  They were all dandy parcels.

I notice what you say about Anson Finlays leaving and Mother gave me an account  of the surprise party and presentation.  They will be much missed at church and in the community.

I not that you are not in the running for Dist. Rep and I know how disappointed you will feel thereat but there may be other fields to conquer.  I was surprised to hear that Carman and I had our photos  in the Varsity supplement.  I would like to see it as there are a great many of my friends in arts, science, medicine, education, etc.  on the Honour Roll, but I guess it is hardly worth mailing to me as I would soon have to throw it in the discard. I have just recieved an (word missing) of Toronto city teachers.  Three were killed in action, Lee whose patriotism was questioned, Archibald, and Bill Buchanan. (see the trench raid letter of June 11, 1917, SWS) And of those three two my very best and most valued friends, both Huron County boys Archie & Bill.  I have had fine letters from Archibalds father, mother & brother.  They live at Seaforth.  There should be two Archibald boys in the Varsity honour list as Archie's brother is an officer in England.  I met him when we were in Bramshott.

The Willard Apts. will never be the same to me without Bill's smiling face.  He was the best company I ever knew.  Did you see Husky? He will be quite a staid sober young man rising to the status of an engaged specimen of bachelorhood.  And he used to preach to me of the blessing os single bliss.  I wish I could have helped you enjoy your Toronto visit.

Things are quiet in a restless sort of way and we are doing our best to buck Fritz.  I've had some great experiences.  About two hours ago I had one of the closest shaves I've had yet, I think. We were out reconnoitering and several of us were talking to some Imperial Artillery when Fritz sent over a big one that buried itself in the ground about 25 ft. away.  We  were lucky it was a dud for we were right out in the open and the shock would have been awful.  We scattered like quail.

I've only one sheet of paper to spare and I will put my proper address below. 

Yours in F.L. & T

Cannon

#681036 Pte. JC Stothers Intelligence Section 15th Canadians, 48th Highlanders, France.